Wycombe Wanderers 1 ( Mehmeti 14) Charlton 1 (Rak-Sakyi 15).

Denied press credentials, Kevin Nolan joined the choir behind the goal and was surprised to discover that “Two-Four-Six-Eight -Who Do We Appreciate?” is no longer part of the song sheet. He was encouraged to learn that Jesurun Rak-Sakyi hates Palace, though. You don’t find out things like that in the press box.

Booked for the second time this season, there is clearly more to Ben Garner than meets the eye. Trim, conservative and apparently not given to intemperate outbursts, Charlton’s manager is a new book that shouldn’t be judged by its cover. Under the calm exterior beats a passionate heart, which won’t be easily stilled if its owner perceives injustice. From admittedly long distance, it was hard to know what he was grousing about on the touchline but, whatever it was, referee David Rock was having none of it. Garner’s name joined four Chairboys and three other Addicks in his notebook.

Garner’s post-game comments gave nothing away. Clearly contented with a point on the road, he saluted Charlton’s “bravery, courage, team spirit and togetherness when we had to dig in…it was really, really pleasing.” There were more comments along roughly similar lines before he closed with a comment or two about the hosts. “Wycombe are very good at what they do,” he continued, without explaining exactly what it is they do, then closed with a cliche which is rapidly gaining popularity among visiting managers. “It’s (Wycombe) is a really hard place to come…I’m pleased with a point.”

After going toe-to-toe with Gareth Ainsworth’s side in a keenly fought encounter which, though competitive, never crossed the line into brutality, Garner’s summing-up was admirably balanced. They might conduct their business in sylvan surroundings but Wycombe, despite their Oxbridge varsity colours, are no rustic pushovers. They are in fact, city slickers, masquerading as country bumpkins. Try the old shell game on these “hicks” and you’d be wise to count your fingers when you finish.

An honourable draw was always the logical outcome of this clash of old and new, with Ainsworth’s uncomplicated blokes wedded religiously to the long ball and seizing every opportunity to launch it over the top to be chased down enthusiastically. Visiting centre backs Ryan Inniss and Eoghan O’Connell were required to stand firm under an onslaught which tested their heading credentials. Charlton’s approach, meanwhile, was altogether more modern and cerebral. Sticking to their “play from the back” principles, they rarely used one pass where three or four would do. They diced with disaster once or twice but there’s no point in having principles if you’re not prepared to stick to them. Unless, of course, you adopt an entirely different set of principles, as Tommy Cooper advised.

Both goals, scored within a minute of each other, were well worked and uncannily similar. The home side’s opener was cleverly set up by Gareth McLeary, no spring chicken but a veteran who seems to mature with age. Receiving Dominic Gape’s pass on the right flank, he found himself mismatched with Albie Morgan, comfortably disposed of his challenge and crossed hard and low. From 12 yards, Mehmeti made easy work of crashing a rising drive past Joe Wollacott; local celebrations were as brief as they were raucous because the Addicks were level again within a minute.

Fully justifying the faith shown in him by Garner, academy product Charles Clayden has fitted in well at left wingback. Moving forward to support Charlie Kirk, he found the winger with a raking pass along the left touchline. Kirk, in his turn, stepped inside Joe Jacobson and crossed right
-footed to Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, in heavy traffic near the far post. Using a mischievous feint to wrongfoot a phalanx of blue-quartered opponents, the slimline loanee transferred the ball from his left to his right foot and hammered it into the roof of Max Stryjek’s net. Blink and you might have missed it. As indeed did Ainsworth’s bamboozled defence.

Stretching before us in the wake of this rapid-fire exchange of goals was an honest-to-goodness clash of styles. Chances were few but those that fell the Chairboys’ way were superbly repelled by Wollacott. In the first half, he saved spectacularly from Lewis Wing’s vicious drive and recovered to block McLeary’s close range header when the ball was swiftly re-cycled to the far post. During the second session, he got down smartly to turn away Mehmeti’s low effort. Responding in kind at the other end, Stryjek dived nimbly to save Kirk’s accurate shot before Jayden Stockley came within twisting inches of directing Kirk’s cross goalwards.

In a grim battle of attrition, Wanderers seemed more likely to snatch a winner but ran into stout resistance from Garner’s defiant visitors. Selfless blocks were made by a variety of contributors, with the outstanding George Dobson inspirational all over the pitch. This was clearly Dobson’s kind of game and he duly delivered a performance of guts and skill. It was impossible to count the number of occasions when a red-shirted cyclone popped up opportunely to sort out an awkward situation but it was easy to predict that the shirt was worn by Dobson. The all-action midfielder was stoutly supported by every member of a side which, though far short of brilliant, show promise of developing into contenders for a top-six finish. An extra forward -preferably one with a proven record of regular goalscoring at this level – might be a handy addition. That very point might have been made to owner Thomas Sandgaard during his half-hearted pre-kick-off walkabout. But then, as my mum used to say… there’s none so deaf. Who knows, perhaps that’s what peeved Ben Garner.

Wycombe: Stryjek, Grimmer, Joseph, Mawson, Jacobson (McCarthy 74), Gape (Horgan 74), Scowen, Wheeler (Freeman 59), Wing, Mehmeti (Al-Hamadi 79), McLeary. Not used: Tafazolli, Dickinson, Pattenden. Booked: Mawson, Gape, Scowen, McLeary.

Charlton: Wollacott, Clare, Inniss, O’Connell, Clayden, Morgan (Payne 78), Dobson, Fraser, Rak-Sakyi, Stockley, Kirk (Leaburn 86). Not used: McGillivray, Jaiyesimi, Henry, Ness. Booked: Clare, Rak-Sakyi, Leaburn, Garner.

Referee: David Rock. Att: 6,139 (1,638).

Charlton 1 (Darling 4 o.g.) Swansea City 2 (Piroe 53, Manning 85).

This narrow defeat by Championship hopefuls Swansea City concluded Charlton’s preparations for the new season and cleared the decks for an awkward trip to Accrington, where the campaign begins in earnest next Saturday. Despite his outward optimism, it might also have left manager Ben Garner with several unanswered questions as he weighs his options during the upcoming week. Managers are, by nature, optimists – at least in interviews – and Garner was unlikely to reveal negative thoughts to the media in the immediate aftermath of his team’s enthusiastic if uneven performance.

“I can’t speak highly enough of them,” he commented, “we now need to take that into the season.
Hopefully we can get off to a good start and get some momentum early.” He then singled out goalkeeper Joe Wollacott for special attention, citing the new arrival’s stunning second half saves from Michael Obafemi and Matt Grimes as worthy of particular praise.

He diplomatically declined to mention that both of Wollacott’s spectacular contributions were required to mitigate glaring errors made by defensive colleagues. Or that those errors were made as direct consequences of the modern insistence on “playing out from the back” which is de rigeur at all levels and has eradicated the ugliness of “clearing your lines” as recommended by the likes of Bill Shankly. “Horsing around” (or something a little more salty) would have been Shankly’s reaction and repercussions would have been seismic.

Big Ryan Inniss was first to err as he meekly conceded possession to Obafemi and had cause to thank Wollacott for the outstanding one-on-one stop he made from Swansea’s dangerous forward. Equally absentminded was Eoghan O’Connell who inexplicably rolled the ball to Matt Grimes inside Charlton’s penalty area but was rescued by the sprawling save Wollacott made to reach the visiting skipper’s venomous daisycutter on its way inside his left post. Jersey Joe’s fine, fingertip touch-over from Joel Piroe’s thunderbolt completed a hat-trick of wonderful interventions which kept the Addicks level until, with dreary predictability, they succumbed with five minutes left.

The bloomers made by Inniss and O’Connell were jaw-dropping but actually paled into insignificance alongside the own goal by centre back Harry Darling, which gifted Charlton a 4th minute lead. Darling was part of a totally pointless bout of short passing, orchestrated by goalkeeper Andy Fisher and presumably intended to bewilder their lowly hosts.

Startled by Albie Morgan’s stealthily applied tourniquet, Darling passed hurriedly back to Fisher and was gobsmacked to discover that his keeper had vacated the premises to join the rubbernecks in a left back position. Stubbornly, Swans boss Russell Martin will stick to his principles and resist calls for his players to use their common sense. It’s not called the beautiful game for nothing although, to be brutally honest, it’s often as boring as beautiful these days. Or is it just me?

For his part, Garner could justifiably point to more than a few positives. As stated, Wollacott was outstanding but could do without all that keep-ball rigmarole. Garner was also right to mention Corey Blackett-Taylor, whose pace was awesome but whose end product was too often found wanting. He could be more effective attacking on the right. More impressive was Sean Clare, who was outstanding at both ends of the pitch. New boy Conor McGrandles saw little of the ball but used it imaginatively, while his interval replacement Jack Payne was a diminutive, effective bundle of energy.

Up front, Charlton seem destined to struggle with Jayden Stockley and Miles Leaburn too similar in their approach. Both of them lack nothing in effort but the cutting of Conor Washington might prove to be a mistake. Meanwhile, Scott Fraser has expressed his belief that he is among League One’s best players; he could be right but, having talked the talk, it’s time he… etc etc.

The Addicks held on to their generously gifted lead until eight minutes into the second half, when Grimes’ inswinging corner from the left bounced around inconclusively until Piroe lashed a rising shot past a helpless Wollacott. Pre-season results are not meant to matter but somehow the competitors among us were irritated that the Addicks abjectly conceded yet another of those late goals, which have plagued us in recent seasons. In a mini-battle of substitutes, Cameron Congreve mugged Daniel Kanu and Richard Chin along the right byline, made urgent progress and set up Ryan Manning to finish emphatically from inside the six-yard area. Hopefully not a portent of things to come or of how Charlton mean to go on. Some of us are getting League One stir crazy!

Charlton: Wollacott, Clare, Inniss, O’Connell, Sessegnon (Chin74), Morgan, McGrandles (Payne 46), Fraser, Blackett-Taylor (Kanu 74), Stockley, Leaburn (Henry 74). Not used: Harness, Bakrin, Santos, Elerewe, Williams. Booked: Stockley -for a preposterous challenge on Matty Sorinola, which would have seen red in different circumstances. Perhaps it’s time for Clare to take over as captain?

Swansea: Fisher, Fulton, Darling, Grimes, Obafemi (Congreve 80), Paterson (Ntcham 72), Piroe, Latibeaudiere (Manning 72), Wood, Naughton, Sorinola (McFayden 86). Not used: Benda, Cullen, Cooper. Booked: Sorinola.

Referee: John Busby. Att: 3,345 (369 visiting).

Charlton’s 4-0 rout by Ipswich on the last day of the 2021-22 season was a fitting conclusion to a campaign of painful inconsistency. It meant they posted a 17-8-21 record with 55 goals
scored and 59 conceded, which earned them 13th place in a 24-team division. A 10-4-9 return at The Valley provided further evidence of their charisma-free mediocrity.

Beginning the campaign under the sunny-side-up managership of Nigel Adkins, whose guileless optimism was presumably based on their determined, but ultimately fruitless, attempt to secure a play-off slot a few months previously, Charlton opened with an stolid 0-0 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday but were promptly brought down to earth by successive 2-1 defeats at the hands of Oxford United and MK Dons. Their first home loss was inflicted by eventual champions Wigan Athletic (2-0) before Crewe Alexandra were beaten 2-0 at The Valley a week later when the Addicks -temporarily as it turned out – stopped the early rot.

September was the cruellest of months, with the 4-1 thumping by Bolton Wanderers on the 28th completing a five-game winless streak and sending Charlton to the bottom of League One. A return of only six points and one win from their ten opening games placed the relentlessly positive Adkins under pressure, eased briefly by 2-1 success at Fleetwood but impossible to sustain when losses to erstwhile minnows Lincoln City and Accrington Stanley all but finished off the out-of-his depth manager. A 3-2 midweek defeat by Stanley on October 19th was the final straw for owner Thomas Sandgaard and deputy boss Johnnie Jackson was in charge four days later when Jayden Stockley’s goal proved enough to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Four successive wins under new management lifted the gloom over The Valley until a two-goal lead was squandered at Morecambe (2-2) and was quickly followed by the added time defeat at Shrewsbury which brought Jackson’s first setback. Back-to-back 2-0 wins over Ipswich and Cambridge highlighted December before the month ended in a single-goal reverse at Plymouth’s Home Park.

The opening month of 2022 brought with it a hectic programme of first team fixtures, five of which were league games and brought mixed results. Defeats to Wycombe Wanderers and Crewe were balanced by solid wins over Fleetwood and historic rivals Portsmouth, while the 1-1- draw at Cheltenham was notable for the goalscoring return of Chuks Aneke after his frustrating re-union with Lee Bowyer at Birmingham.

An entertaining 3-2 victory over relegation-bound Wimbledon, during which centre backs Ryan Inniss and Akim Famewo both scored, kicked off an otherwise miserable February. Five consecutive defeats plunged the Addicks down to 16th position and re-awakened unpleasant fears of relegation. Assumptions that they were “too good to go down” suddenly adopted a hollow tone.

A creditable goalless draw at Sunderland on March 5th checked the slide and although pesky underdogs Accrington completed a league double a week later, Gillingham (1-0), Burton Albion (2-0) and Doncaster (1-0) were all beaten before the end of the month as Charlton virtually ensured safety from relegation.

Charlton’s infuriating inconsistency in losing 2-1 to Lincoln City at the start of a seven-game month of May was followed promptly by arguably their best performance and result of a soon-to-be forgotten season. The 1-0 triumph at Championship-bound Rotherham featured a spectacular winner from runaway Player-of-the-Year winner George Dobson, whose consistent enthusiasm and commitment to an often thankless cause earned him the respect of Charlton’s world weary fanbase.

Sandwiched between the Lincoln and Rotherham games was a 1-1 draw at desperate Wimbledon, where Inniss’ second half dismissal highlighted a disciplinary record, which included four red cards and over 100 yellow cards. The inevitable suspensions, combined with injuries and the inability of certain players to manage full games, meant that Jackson was rarely in a position to choose from a complete panel of players. His rotation system was often born of necessity rather than choice.

On an individual front, there were few successes. Dobson, as already stated, stood head and shoulders above his colleagues and rose above some frankly dreadful team performances. His POTY runner-up, Sean Clare, made a versatile contribution in various positions, while goalkeeper Craig McGillivray recorded 16 clean sheets and conceded a creditable 52 goals in 43 appearances. In midfield, Alex Gilbey failed to live up to the promise he showed towards the end of last season, Elliot Lee faded after a bright start and Albie Morgan promised far more than he delivered. January signing Scott Fraser declared, on arrival, that he was impossible to ignore, showed early flashes of ability which included the irresistible cross he provided for Aneke’s equaliser at Bolton, then retreated to the treatment room after only six starts and wasn’t seen again. Charlie Kirk didn’t last long and returned up north after only a handful of appearances. Jake Forster-Caskey, who returned in early April after a long absence through injury, will provide stiff competition for Morgan next July.

Jackson’s problems at centre back cropped up with depressing regularity. Serious injuries to Inniss and summer signing Sam Lavelle, who were probably his preferred partnership, meant that central defenders came and went through revolving doors. Akin Famewo posted 34 starts, began the campaign well but fell apart somewhat during the last turgid months. Veteran skipper Jason Pearce filled in on 20 occasions but has not been offered a playing contract next term. Clare deputised capably when pressed into service, while Deji Elerewe will surely be in Jackson’s first team thoughts when summer ends. As does this article – abruptly, based on the shock departure of Johnnie Jackson.

This review was nearing completion when news arrived that Johnnie Jackson had been sacked. There was obviously no longer any point in pressing on so consider it unfinished – like one of Schubert’s symphonies.

I had hoped that Jackson would be allowed an unencumbered summer for preparation and a full season to make his mark. With a suitably pared squad and a few judicious signings, his prospects seemed promising. But clearly there’s something rotten in the state of Colorado – not to mention Denmark.

The pros and cons of Jonnie Jackson’s tenure are a matter for more qualified discussion elsewhere, except to observe that he took over from Nigel Adkins with the Addicks in 22nd position, having won nine points from thirteen games. Fifty more points were gained from thirty six games after he took over – a modest return but steady improvement nonetheless. A full season in charge seemed the least he could expect. More fool him – and me.

About Johnnie Jackson the player and the man, there appears to be little dispute. He will be remembered by Charlton fans long after Thomas Sandgaard has inevitably departed – and he WILL depart because all things must pass. My personal recollections include the delirium inside The Valley when his last minute header beat Harry Redknapp’s QPR; the similar disorderly conduct which greeted his goals in the 5-4 recovery against Cardiff; and that magical week when his free kicks silenced Sheffield. But Charlton’s still recent 1-0 midweek victory at Norwich stands supreme, not for the quality of Jackson’s fluky matchwinner, but for the presence on the supporters’ coach of my brother Tony (RIP), who was visiting us from San Francisco at the time. And, as an afterthought, didn’t John contribute a goal to the record-busting 6-0 victory at Barnsley not all that long ago? See what I mean? -memories. And Sandgaard? Nothing, really, not even that feckin’ record, which I trust will precede him out of the door.

I’m not here to praise Johnnie Jackson, an honourable Addick who needs endorsement from nobody. He is merely the latest victim of a club which smugly congratulates itself on its family values and family loyalties, then regularly stabs its more worthy members in the back. Our Director of Analytics (nah, me neither) should be stirring uncomfortably about now. Could be his turn next. Look what Michael Corleone did to Fredo.

I’m done now – said my piece or, at least a bit of my piece. Like you, no doubt, I’ll haul myself back to The Valley in July. It’s a hard habit to break. Unless, of course, I’m barred. Then it’s back to bunking in.

Cambridge United 0 Charlton 2 (Blackett-Taylor 73, Washington 86).

… yeah, well, that’s the thing about deflected goals. You wait ages for one, then you luck into two in the same game… within thirteen minutes of each other, in fact. Just when you look like drawing a blank, you’re 2-0 up and on the way home with three points. Best not to apologise… nor explain.

The first of Charlton’s lucky breaks arrived with seventeen minutes remaining and will be credited to find-of-the-season Corey Blackett-Taylor. Quite right too because he provided all the spadework as well as the strike which caromed off Ben Worman and hopelessly wrongfooted Will Mannion on its way into the net. The brilliant winger had been tormenting United all evening, reaching the left byline at will but so far his crosses had gone unconverted. On this occasion, he checked back inside, decided to go it alone and let fly with his right foot. His second league goal of the season received a helpful assist from Worman but was otherwise entirely his own work.

The Addicks’ victory was clinched by a second, in-off goal but not before their warhorse captain Jason Pearce’s razor-sharp reactions spared the blushes of Craig McGillivray, who spilled Worman’s long range effort to equalise. Sam Smith seemed favourite to reach the rebound until Pearce crucially intervened and cleared the danger. Calm and composed throughout, the skipper was in imperious form. His chest control and sensible distribution were textbook models; and where necessary, a lusty foot under the ball was never far from his agenda.

Buoyed by their excellent win at Wigan three days previously, Mark Bonner’s side were hard to subdue. With veteran Wes Hoolahan (think Barry Bannan with an Irish accent) calling the midfield shots, they were still in with a chance until their visitors came up with another pinball goal which finished them off. At least this one had comical overtones, not that United saw the funny side.

Schemer Hoolahan carried part of the can by losing possession to Sean Clare inside his own half. Switching momentum instantly, Clare found substitute Chuks Aneke, who advanced a few yards before trying his luck from outside the penalty area. His left-footed shot may -or may not- have been on target but Conor Washington’s intervention made discussion irrelevant. In the throes of a five-game scoring drought, the Northern Irish international was unlikely to disown the accidental header which sent Mannion the wrong way as it finished in the opposite corner. The persecuted keeper’s language was no doubt colourful -and entirely forgivable.

It had been far from one-way traffic- certainly not during a first half narrowly edged by Cambridge – until fortune favoured the Addicks. Recovering from an early scare when Blackett-Taylor set up Washington for a close range effort which Lloyd Jones blocked, United more than held their own. McGillivray came close to suffering Mannion’s fate with Jack Lankester’s shot deflecting wickedly off Clare and leaving him helpless as it whizzed narrowly wide of his right-hand post. The opening exchanges continued when Mannion saved smartly from the irrepressible Blackett-Taylor and Pearce headed Albie Morgan’s resultant corner wide at the far post. At the other end, Hoolahan and Lankester combined on a setpiece to create a chance which Worman fired wastefully over the bar. Washington closed a lively first half by shooting weakly at Mannion after Albie Morgan’s beautifully judged through ball and his own feathered touch destroyed the home defence.

Showing commendable commitment to a mid-table encounter, both sides remained positive after the break. Inevitably, Blackett-Taylor buckled down immediately to lay on an inviting shooting chance which Alex Gilbey half-heartedly volleyed straight at Mannion. Jayden Stockley was also culpable when he rose unmarked to meet Washington’s precise cross but headed inexplicably wide from six yards. By now, it was clear that something or someone special -or outrageously lucky – would be required to break the deadlock. And in Blackett-Taylor and Washington, Jackson had two men in tune with the job.

Saluting a victory, which he hailed as “a good, solid away performance”, the unflustered manager declared himself “really pleased for everyone because the lads put a real shift in”. Special mention was reserved for Blackett-Taylor, about whom he observed that “in then last weeks and months, he’s been outstanding. His game has really improved and he was a menace all night. He’s gone from an impact bench player with no history of completing 90 minutes and has grown into that wingback position. He’s always had unbelievable pace but now knows, when teams double up on him, the right time to offload the ball.” One other thing, John. He’s bloody jammy when he has to be…

Cambridge: Mannion, Iredale, Jones, O’Neil, Smith (Digby 59), Hoolahan. Okedina, Tracey (Knibbs 68), Lankester (Ironside 68), Worman, Bennett. Not used: Mitov, Williams, Simper, Yearn.

Charlton: McGillivray, Clare, Pearce, Famewo, Matthews, Gilbey, Dobson, Blackett-Taylor (Jaiyesimi 88), Morgan, Stockley (Aneke 77), Washingon. Not used: Harness, Forster-Caskey, Leko, Burstow, Elerewe. Booked: Dobson.

Referee: Paul Howard. Att: 5409 (1034 visiting).

Rotherham United 0 Charlton 1 (Dobson 55).

Kevin Nolan starts “spreading the noos” after watching Charlton win in New York -or Rotherham as it’s known locally.

When midfielder George Dobson joined Charlton last July, he was welcomed effusively by manager Nigel Adkins, who gushed “I am pleased George became another summer signing, he has a reputation as a combative midfield player so I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Adkins said one thing but clearly meant another. Dobson quickly fell out of favour, which says far more about the manager than it does about the player. A sturdy old-school competitor, Dobbo, (as he was no doubt imaginatively known at school), has been a shining light during what has been a chastening season for the club. His excellent form has been maintained in frequently chaotic circumstances. And he’s much more than a mere workhorse. Though ever-ready to “put his foot in”, the slick-haired boy band lookalike has an impressive range of passing once in possession.

Adkins’ departure was a shot in the arm for 24-year old George. New boss Johnnie Jackson had few illusions about what he had on his hands and wasted no time in making it indispensable. Dobson’s name, it can be safely assumed, is first on Jackson’s teamsheet. Being clearly besotted with football, the hunch-shouldered dynamo has been ever present in league games since being part of Charlton’s 1-0 victory at Sunderland back in October. Turning out twice in the same week is a pleasure, not a chore, for the hustler at the heart of the Addicks’ engine room.

As a gifted career midfielder, known for his uncanny ability to contribute important goals, Jackson’s one reservation in assessing Dobson’s portfolio, must have been his absence from the scoresheet in over 33 games. Hardly employed as a defensive anchor, he pops up regularly in or around the opposition penalty area but it’s difficult to recall a shot in anger. That deficiency was put right at Rotherham’s AESSEAL New York Stadium where Dobbo made up for lost time and broke his duck with a proper belter.

The spadework featured a bright counter-attack involving Albie Morgan and Corey Blackett-Taylor, which seemed doomed to fizzle out without troubling the Millers’ keeper Victor Johnsson until Morgan re-cycled possession by squaring to Dobson, in heads-up support to his right. Taking Morgan’s pass in his stride, Dobson unleashed an uninhibited right-footed drive, which curled away from Johansson’s full-length dive and finished its flight neatly inside his left hand post. It was some way to end a scoring drought and went down very well on the sideline.

Having taken a lead in a game of few chances, it became Charlton’s task to defend it -something they did with impressive organisation and grim determination. They fell out with each other at times but were inspired by the example set by the emergency partnership at centre back of veteran Jason Pearce and comparative novice Akin Famewo. Thrust together to cover the absence of Ryan Inniss and Sam Lavelle, who might well have finished their campaigns at Wimbledon in midweek, Pearce and Famewo stepped up admirably, their dogged resistance marred only by Famewo’s 10th booking of the season for a crude challenge on Oliver Rathbone.

Offering stout support to his centre backs was Sean Clare, who seems Dobson’s only serious alternative as Charlton’s player-of-the season. Clare’s knowhow was invaluable, his choice of decisions invariably correct. Having scored what turned out to be the matchwinner, Dobson did more than his bit defensively, as did striker Jayden Stockley, whose commanding headers repelled setpieces as to the manner born. In impeccable form behind them was Craig McGillivray who while largely untroubled, commanded his area and plucked out of the air anything which eluded Stockley and his colleagues. His second half save from Michael Ihiekwe’s point-blank header was stunning and in no way diminished by the fact that Ihiekwe was ruled offside. McGillivray played a capable part in securing Charlton’s second successive 1-0 victory in South Yorkshire, whose natives must be sick of the sight of them.

As already mentioned, clearcut chances were rare but few of them fell to the misfiring hosts, who contributed one effort on target, the details of which elude your reporter at the minute. Ben Wiles dispatched a dipping first half volley which briefly concerned McGillivray but flashed wide and Michael Smith (all footballing Smiths are apparently required to be called either Michael or Matthew) headed Shane Ferguson’s cross wastefully high. Second half substitute Mickel Miller scraped a half-chance over the bar but the reality was that the Addicks were defensively comfortable from whistle to whistle.

At the other end, Conor Washington outwitted Rathbone, briefly outpaced his rival but was caught by Rathbone’s splendid recovery tackle while in the act of shooting; Washington threatened again when set up by Morgan but could only toe-poke to Johansson. No irresistible force themselves up front, Charlton never really promised to add to Dobson’s outstanding strike but were not really required to do so. Reflecting on a largely uneventful but undeniably efficient victory on the road, Jackson’s comments were those of a satisfied employer. “I thought we defended brilliantly, especially when protecting our penalty box and our goalkeeper. I felt we stayed in a compact shape and had such a threat on the counter attack. We looked really strong, full of energy.” The manager’s contented reaction to a dominant performance was understandable and entirely justified. It seems churlish but irresistible to add…”Yeah, that’s all very well but ain’t it too little too late?” Er, sorry about that, John.

Rotherham: Johansson, Harding, Wood, Ihiekwe, Barlaser (Osei-Tutu 68), Ogbene, Rathbone (Lindsay 62), Wiles, Ferguson (Miller 62), Ladapo, Smith. Not used: Mattock, Kayode, Edmonds-Green, Chapman.

Charlton: McGillivray. Clare, Pearce, Famewo, Matthews, Gilbey, Dobson, Morgan, Blackett-Taylor (Purrington 90), Washington, Stockley. Not used: Harness, Jaiyesimi, Forster-Caskey, John, Leko, Burstow.

Referee: Ross Joyce. Att: 9,087.

AFC Wimbledon 1 (Robinson 87) Charlton 1 (Stockley 69).

Ten minutes into the second half of this eventful match, huge centre back Ryan Inniss set out from his own half on a solo run which was to have dire consequences for himself, his team and unfortunate opponent George Marsh. On and on thundered Inniss like one of the gallant 600 who suicidally attacked the Russian cannons at Balaclava. In his way stood the comparatively diminutive Marsh, who bravely stuck to his guns and braced for impact. Desperate to redeem a woefully heavy touch, Inniss launched himself studs-first, wiped out the unfortunate defender, then rose to face the wrath of Marsh’s comrades and the inevitable red card brandished by referee Neil Hair.

Inniss had completed just seven minutes as a substitute for Sam Lavelle, himself injured while
fouling Zach Robinson and, in the process, aggravating an existing shoulder injury which will potentially keep him out of Charlton’s five-game run-in. That’s two centre backs, on which Johnnie Jackson can no longer depend during the dregs of this dreadful season. Nobody told him it would turn out like this but then he’s been around the block a few times and seen it all.

Frequently vilified for a perceived lack of determination, meanwhile, no such criticism could be levelled at the 10 survivors who fought stubbornly to repel a wave of blue-clad attacks. Their creative spark Jake Forster-Caskey was sacrificed to make way for Akin Famewo, out of favour recently but, on this evidence, ready to re-affirm his early promise. A marvellous last-ditch tackle to deny the pesky Ayoub Assal an almost-certain goal epitomised Famewo’s commitment to defend the lead which, against the odds as well as the run of play, Jayden Stockley had given the Addicks some four minutes earlier. And some goal it was, by the way.

Emulating Inniss’s initially positive example but showing better control of both the ball and himself, wingback Adam Matthews flew over the halfway line, cut through Wimbledon’s resistance like a knife through low-fat butter and reached the right byline. His cross on the run, airily dismissed in the Dons’ official match report as “routine” was, in fact, precise, perfect and princely. Finding space between two defenders, Stockley added the finish it deserved by heading majestically past Nik Tzanev. From beginning to end – this goal was sheer magic.

The first half of a game which clearly mattered more to relegation-haunted Wimbledon than it did to their hot-and-cold visitors, offered little to prepare us for the heated affair that developed after Inniss’ dismissal. It was narrowly edged by the Addicks, whose bright opening featured a handful of passable chances. In rapid succession, Stockley met a Forster-Caskey delivery with an overhead effort which Ben Heneghan smuggled off his goalline; Diallang Jaiyesimi’s close range shot was blocked by Robinson after Forster-Caskey’s clever flick set up the chance; Elliot Lee’s electric burst to the byline made room for Conor Washington to force a smart save from Tzanev; Lee’s ball over the top was run down by Washington, who was unable to keep his shot down.

Sent out after the break by new manager Mark Bowen with renewed purpose, the Dons were already on top
when Inniss was sent off. Previously untroubled Craig McGillivray was called upon to react sharply to Paul Osew’s low snapshot, then Famewo whisked the ball cleanly away from Assal as the elusive playmaker closed in on goal. The indefatigable George Dobson was booked for chopping down Assal as the Addicks began to buckle under mounting pressure and a goal seemed inevitable. But it surprisingly arrived at the other end when Matthews showed the urgency of a bloke who has carelessly backed on to a barbecue, with Stockley the recipient of his flame-fuelled burst of energy.

With time running out in a game they could not afford to lost, the South West Londoners frantically sought an equaliser. They were temporarily foiled by McGillivray, who spectacularly tipped Will Nightingale’s header from Henry Lawrence’s corner over the bar. Then, with three minutes remaining in normal time, substitute Ethan Chislett produced a wicked cross from the right which left Robinson the simple task of heading past McGillivray from four yards. With eight additional minutes announced, Jackson’ name made it into Hair’s book for grumbling and ten Charlton backs were pressed back against a wall. They deserved their point.

Wimbledon’s relegation rivals could have no complaints about the commitment shown on their behalf by Jackson’s men. Shame they haven’t always performed with similar spirit during a campaign few of us will wish to remember. And it’s not even over yet… there’s the small matter of next Saturdays visit to champions-elect Rotherham without Inniss, Lavelle and probably the excellent Ben Purrington, who ended Tuesday’s second half siege a limping passenger. It’s always the same sometimes…

AFC Wimbledon: Tzanev, Lawrence (Chislett 79), Csoka, Woodyard, Nightingale, Marsh, Assal, Rudoni, Robinson, Heneghan, Osew (Mebude 72). Not used: Broome, Ablade, Guiness-Walker, Osei-Yaw. Booked: Mebude.

Charlton: McGillivray, Clare, Lavelle, Purrington, Matthews, Dobson, Jaiyesimi (Blackett-Taylor 64), Forster-Caskey (Famewo 58), Lee, Stockley, Washington. Not used: Harness, Leko, Fraser, Burstow. Booked: Dobson. Sent off: Inniss.

Referee: Neil Hair. Att: 8,184 (1,100 visiting)

Doncaster 0 Charlton 1

Kevin Nolan chooses to join the chaps behind the goal to watch Charlton make it three wins in a row.

Charlton’s dull but workmanlike victories over Gillingham and Burton Albion last week served their purpose. They extinguished once and for all nagging fears of relegation but also removed the guts and garters from the remains of a dismal season. Football needs a sense of urgency, some point to it. Otherwise you might as well stay home and figure out results on a tactical blackboard, a thought that alarmed some unlikely visionaries in a long forgotten past.

Back in a day when Readers Digests doubled as shinpads, these old timers realised there were far too many meaningless mid-table matches at this time of the year. Falling attendances and general apathy convinced them to make it three rather than two points for a win and to introduce a novel brainwave we now know as the playoffs. They also tinkered with the rigid notion that relegation should be limited to two teams. These might have been crusty old codgers but they had radical revolution on their mind.

Anyway, Charlton arrived at the Eco-Power Stadium safe-ish but still not entirely safe. Even a mathematical dunce like me was able to grasp that a cushion of 13 points over fourth-from-bottom Wimbledon with eight games remaining, falls a bit short of safe. Far from safe, it’s safe to say! I’m no alarmist but, blimey, we could still go down. We’ve seen it happen.

Nah, I’m only kidding – Charlton are safe as houses. They were safe even before this trip to troubled Doncaster and their victory in South Yorkshire merely rubber stamped the fact. It’s another season in League One for Johnnie Jackson’s men, which may be nothing to celebrate until you consider the alternative below them. So enough waffle for now. Let’s get on with reporting a very trying, but ultimately rewarding, afternoon in God’s Own County.

It started badly with the news that the supporters’ coaches would be leaving at 10 a.m. rather than 9.15 a.m as advertised. Clearly the work of some genius, this 45 minute grace period was spent negotiating the inevitable traffic pile-up on the M1 (the A1 was out of action due to roadworks). So we rolled up late for the kick-off and were decanted into a sun drenched away end four minutes into the action. I have it on the most reliable source that during our lost four minutes, Jayden Stockley had a shot cleared off the line by Ben Jackson after Corey Blackett-Taylor had begun a campaign of torture for the home defenders.

We were ringside less than 10 minutes before Blackett-Taylor got the better of Joseph Oluwu on the left touchline and had crossed the 18-yard line when Kyle Knoyle ruthlessly mowed him down. Conor Washington unwisely changed his penalty technique and delivered a tame pea-roller into Jonathan Mitchell’s grateful hands. At least that’s what I made of it from the opposite end while staring into a blindingly low sun. Frankly, for much of the time, I didn’t have a clue what was occurring – no change there, I’ll save you the trouble of adding.

It wasn’t a frequently disgruntled Washington’s day as he arrived late to convert the point blank chance created for him by Stockley. Having disastrously surrendered possession to Stockley, Mitchell redeemed himself by smothering Washington’s scuffed effort on the line. The keeper then continued his good work by efficiently fielding Stockley’s headed attempt to convert Scott Fraser’s accurate cross. Little was seen of Donny as an attacking threat, with Jackson foiled by Sean Clare’s excellent block after meeting Aidan Barlow’s dangerous centre.

The Addicks attacked our goal after the break and were quickly into their stride. Stockley glanced Alex Gilbey’s cross off target before Rovers enjoyed their best spell, with both Knoyle and Matt Smith shooting narrowly wide. They were promptly put in their place as the visitors grabbed an overdue lead midway through the second session. Inevitably, Blackett-Taylor played an important part by cleverly squeezing past the bewildered Knoyle on the left byline. The irrepressible winger’s precise cutback picked out Stockley, who allowed the ball to proceed across his body before carefully slotting it right-footed beyond Mitchell’s left hand. It was a goal brilliantly conceived and expertly executed.

Comfortably on top, the visitors sought an immediate coup-de-grace. Mitchell saved smartly from Blackett-Taylor but was a mere spectator as Fraser volleyed wide. With a quarter hour remaining, Washington held off of Oluwu, shot on the run but was foiled by Mitchell’s fine save; the rebound broke to Stockley, who hit the bar from the 18-yard line. An afternoon of profligacy almost cost Charlton dearly as an unemployed Craig McGillivray was called into action to save with his feet from Tommy Rowe’s point-blank effort and Jordy Hiwula turned sharply but screwed a last gasp shot narrowly wide. It was a lesson almost too late in the learning. One made of sand – much like Charlton’s season.

Doncaster: Mitchell, Knoyle, Williams, Oluwu, Barlow (Younger 46), Smith (Bostock 75), Clayton, Jackson (Martin 72), Rowe, Hiwula, Dodoo. Not used: Jones, Hoston, Gardner, Griffiths. Booked: Barlow

Charlton: McGillivray, Clare, Lavelle, Purrington, Matthews, Gilbey, Dobson, Fraser (Lee 90+2), Blackett-Taylor (Famewo 90), Stockley, Washington. Not used: Harness, Pearce, Jaiyesimi, Leko, Burstow. Booked: Gilbey, Stockley, Dobson, Blackett-Taylor.

Referee: Sam Allison. Att: 6,350 (636 visiting).

Bolton Wanderers 2 (Charles 10, Aimson 83) Charlton 1 (Aneke 76).

Bolton Wanderers vs Charlton Athletic – there was a time when this fixture graced the top flight of English league football. They moved among giants once but their mutual pedigree meant nothing on Tuesday evening when they met to resolve which of them continues to kid themselves that their season has been anything but a crushing disappointment.

On the basis that they made fewer grotesque errors than Charlton, it was Bolton who emerged victorious and duly made all the usual noises about gatecrashing the play-offs. For Charlton, all that’s left is the business of making sure they accrue enough points to make relegation an impossibility. They begin their mini-campaign at Wigan on Saturday -hardly a venue you would choose to start the process.

Making the almost obligatory three changes from the side which outlasted Wimbledon at The Valley on Saturday, a wearied Johnnie Jackson saw his side donate a 10th minute lead to Bolton, trail until they equalised superbly more than an hour later, then demonstrate a “what we have, we don’t know how to hold” gormlessness which gifted the Trotters the points shortly before the end.

Jackson is tasked with deploying a squad which includes players apparently incapable of completing 90 minutes, others for whom consecutive games are out of the question and transfer window newcomers who remain unknown quantities. A member of that second category is Ryan Inniss, who made a scoring contribution on Saturday but was inevitably excused duty at Bolton. Into his formidable boots stepped dogged warrior Jason Pearce, for whom the occasion proved far too much. It was impossible to feel anything but sympathy for the grizzled old stager as he blustered and bungled his way through 60 minutes of torture before he was replaced by Sam Lavelle, in what was by that stage an act of humanity by his manager.

Pearce was hardly helped by being partnered at the back with Akin Famewo, whose vulnerability isn’t similarly explained by age but is instead rooted in a fusion of poor judgement and over-confidence. His contribution to the Trotters’ early breakthrough combined both weaknesses as he wavered under a lusty clearance, disastrously allowed it to bounce, then managed only a feeble header back to Craig McGillivray. Brushing through the blundering defender’s resistance, Dion Charles rounded the keeper and finished none too clinically past Famewo’s tangle-footed effort to clear off the line.

Marginally the better of two substandard sides, Wanderers pottered on until half-time without once showing any sign of increasing their generously gifted lead. For their part, Jackson’s Addicks were a clueless assortment who, until Alex Gilbey met Sean Clare’s lay-off but saw his goalbound shot deflected over the bar by Ricardo Almeida Santos, were no trouble to anyone. It says much that Gilbey’s worthy effort didn’t arrive until the second half was ten minutes old.

Bolton were hardly dynamic themselves, with only a narrowly wide drive by Oladapo Afolayan to show for their slight superiority. They were indebted to Ben Toner’s benevolent refereeing when Gethin Jones’ studs-up, over-the-top challenge callously felled George Dobson; far from the action, Toner deemed the assault worthy only of a yellow card. Charlton expressed their outrage by drawing level in fine style, entirely out of context in this mediocre setting.

The goal was wonderfully conceived and expertly executed by Jackson’s substitutes. Brought on as Gilbey’s replacement, Scott Fraser moved effortlessly past Jones on the left and crossed perfectly on the run. His enterprise was matched by the movement and timing shown by Chuks Aneke in placing the quintessential centre-forward’s header comfortably out of the reach of young goalkeeper James Trafford. Fraser and Aneke must surely start at Wigan, the latter in place of an out-of-his depth Mason Burstow, from whom too much is expected too soon. He’s just a promising kid, after all, with two third tier goals to his name – one who’s been talked into running before he’s learned to walk.

With a creditable point theirs for the taking, meanwhile, it almost goes without saying that the Addicks blew the opportunity. Clare’s boneheaded and completely needless foul on George Johnston, who was struggling to control an awkward ball while trapped against the left touchline, conceded an ominous free kick, wickedly whipped in by Aaron Morley and deftly flicked inside the far post by Will Aimson. So for Bolton, the dream goes on. And for Charlton, it’s time to wake up and face facts. They’re in League One for at least another year. And that’s where they belong until they prove otherwise.

Bolton: Trafford, Jones, Almeida Santos, Fossey, Aimson, Fossey, Morley, John, Dempsey (Bakayoko 77), Afolayan (Bodvarsson 72),
Charles (Sadlier 78). Not used: Dixon, Baptiste, Gordon, Lee. Booked: Jones, John, Bakayoko.

Referee: Ben Toner. Att; 13,523 (328 visiting).

Portsmouth 1 (Jacobs 79) Charlton 2 (Washington 31, Robertson o.g. 64).

As the scorer of Charlton’s important first goal, Conor Washington was an obvious choice, alongside Sky TV’s MOTM Corey Blackett-Taylor, to be interviewed shortly after the final whistle. The Northern Ireland international commented eloquently on the Addicks’ performance, expressed a striker’s satisfaction that his first half goal showcased his predatory instincts rather than spectacular skill, then slipped in the time-honoured admission that Portsmouth was “always a tough place to come.”

Not when the visitors are Charlton it isn’t, Conor. This timely victory, marred only by their descent into blind panic after Pompey reduced their arrears with 11 minutes to play, was their sixth consecutive success at this battered, iconic ground. “Can we play you every week?” carolled over 1,000 jubilant travelling fans, omitting the word “here” to make their point more precisely. If “horses for courses” can be applied to football, then Charlton’s record at Fratton Park makes it clear they relish the going on the turf of their oldest adversaries. It’s not quite the same back at The Valley, where Portsmouth provide sterner opposition.

Danny Cowley’s men made a bright start in their latest effort to buck the trend. As early as the 3rd minute, Sean Raggett’s precise pass sent Denver Hume through on the left to shoot low past Craig McGillivray but also, by inches, the far post. As the Addicks struggled to gain a foothold, George Hirst was but a toecap away from converting Joe Morrell’s defence-splitting pass across the six-yard box. In reply, Blackett-Taylor embarked on a lightning-quick solo run from deep inside his own half, cut through the home defence but sent a venomous drive swerving just off target. Young B-T was a pain in Pompey’s rear end but versatile Sean Clare collared the Nolan nod as Charlton’s best player, with workaholic George Dobson trailing by little more than a short head.

Two minutes after Blackett-Taylor’s sensational cameo, the increasingly dominant visitors took the lead under admittedly controversial circumstances. Adam Matthews’ heads-up throw was returned to him by Clare, making space for the right back to cross accurately from the right touchline. Chuks Aneke’s stooping header was brilliantly saved by Gavin Bazunu but stabbed in by Washington, who poached his 8th goal of an injury-punctuated season. Clearly a yard offside, Aneke failed to own up, the lino’s flag stayed down and the goal stood. As lucky breaks go, this was among the most opportune.

Charlton were running the show by then and playing some crisp football in the process. Before the interval, Alex Gilbey broke through but fired an angled thunderbolt against the near post. Catching the mood, Albie Morgan continued his recent improvement by driving narrowly wide, then snap-shooting another effort inches over the bar.

The South Coasters weren’t entirely subdued and only Hirst will know how he failed to convert Joe Morrell’s devastating delivery as it passed through a congested six-yard box. And it took a perfectly timed tackle by Ryan Inniss to halt Hirst in his tracks as he surged dangerously into the penalty area. Inniss’ 70th minute withdrawal was hardly tactical and the more likely explanation is one of those “niggles” that Charlton players pick up from time to time. When fit, Inniss is rock solid.

Midway through the second session, the Addicks grabbed the second goal which later developments proved to be priceless. Once again, they enjoyed a slice of luck along the way but the build-up play was incisive. Matthews shrewdly delayed the pass which sent an overlapping Clare hustling to the right byline; the wingback’s dipping cross was intercepted by Pompey skipper Clark Robertson, whose diving header, under pressure from Washington, beat Bazunu on its journey into his own net. Job done and dusted, or so it seemed.

Two up with 25 minutes remaining, Charlton’s priority turned to game management, a euphemism for sitting on a lead, wasting as much time as possible and squeezing the life out of the opposition. Not for the first time, the Addicks were found wanting in conducting this game within a game. Clearances became hurried and badly directed, possession was regularly surrendered, decisions were hastily made and promptly regretted. Frankly, Johnnie Jackson’s men descended into near-chaos and it was no surprise that they reached crisis point when their hosts halved their deficit eleven minutes before the end. Substitute Michael Jacobs bullied his way through to shoot viciously from seven yards and though McGillivray managed a straight-arm parry, the badly exposed keeper was unable to prevent the ball spinning over the line. From a position of virtual impregnability, Charlton were reduced to nerve-riddled, disorganised survivors, whose sole ambition was to hear referee Neil Hair’s final whistle.

It was all a little undignified near the end but Charlton hung on to make it six in a row, not to mention nine out of their last ten visits to this most hospitable of venues. The ominous spectre of relegation was routed to make way for touching but unrealistic hopes of making it into the top six. A more reasonable ambition would be to consolidate for next season which is, after all, only six months distant. Then less heavy metal, more stealth and no talk of “being where we belong.” We’re already where we belong right now and no amount of hot air is going to change that. We’re not a bad side – trick is to take it to the next level. And then that becomes where we belong. Capiche?

Portsmouth: Bazunu, Carter (Jacobs 79), Raggett, Robertson, Romeo, Morell, Williams (Thompson 71), Hume, Harness, Walker (Curtis 71),
Hirst. Not used: Webber, Freeman, Ogilvie, Hackett. Booked: Morrell.

Referee: Neil Hair. Att: 15,236 (1,230 visiting).